Chapter 53: chapter 53
I walked over to Jason's room, knocking gently on the door. "Hey, Jason? Can I come in?"
Jason's voice called out from inside, "Yeah, come on in, Eliana!"
I opened the door and smiled at my younger brother, who was sitting on his bed, playing a video game. "Hey, kiddo. I've got some news. We're going to Jai City in three days."
Jason's eyes lit up. "Really? That's awesome! I've always wanted to go back to Jai City."
I smiled, happy to see Jason's enthusiasm. "I know, me too. And we'll get to see Xavier, too."
Jason's expression turned serious. "Is everything okay with Xavier? You've been really stressed out lately."
I hesitated, unsure of how much to share with Jason. But he was old enough to understand, and I trusted him. "Everything will be fine, Jason. Xavier and I just need to work some things out. But I promise, we'll be okay."
Jason nodded, seeming to accept my explanation. "Okay, Eliana. I trust you. Let's get ready for Jai City!"
I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Alright, kiddo. Let's start packing. Royalty will take care of the travel arrangements, but we need to make sure we're ready to go."
Jason jumped up from his bed, excitement radiating from him. "I'm on it, Eliana! I'll pack my bags and be ready to go in no time."
I chuckled, remembering when Jason was younger and would get so excited about trips. It was nice to see that some things hadn't changed.
As Jason started packing, I took a moment to collect my thoughts. I was nervous about seeing Xavier, but I knew it was necessary. We needed to talk and work through our issues.
I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. I was going to make things right with Xavier, no matter what it took.
Just then, my phone buzzed with an incoming text from Royalty. "Hey, Eliana. Just confirmed our travel arrangements. We'll be leaving in three days, as planned. Everything is set."
I smiled, feeling a sense of relief. It was really happening. We were going to Jai City, and I was going to face whatever challenges lay ahead, head-on.
Three days later, Jason, Royalty, and I set off towards the airport, ready to start our new life in Jai City. Our driver expertly loaded our luggage into the car and we were on our way.
As we drove, I couldn't help but think about Xavier. He still hadn't returned my calls, and I had finally accepted that he wasn't going to. I had tried to reach out to him, to talk things through, but he had made it clear that he didn't want to communicate with me.
I sighed, feeling a mix of emotions: hurt, anger, and frustration. But I knew I couldn't let Xavier's behavior dictate my actions. I had made the decision to move to Jai City, and I was determined to make a new life for myself here.
"I've changed my plans," I said to Jason and Royalty. "I'm not going to see Xavier for now. I've fulfilled his wish by moving to Jai City, but I won't go begging him to understand me."
Jason looked at me with concern, but Royalty nodded in agreement. "You deserve better, Eliana," she said. "Don't let Xavier's behavior bring you down."
I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards my friends. "Thanks, guys. I'm glad I have you both here to support me."
As we arrived at the airport and boarded our flight, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. I was ready to start my life in Jai City, and I knew that Elvis would let Xavier know that I had arrived.
But I wasn't going to wait around for Xavier to reach out to me. I was moving on, and I was determined to make the most of my life in Jai City.
Alexander, aware of the delicate balance of his reputation, exercised restraint during his stay in Jai City. Meanwhile, I dove headfirst into my work, determined to establish a sense of normalcy in my new life.
As I sat at my desk, focused on the tasks at hand, my phone rang, breaking the silence. The receptionist's voice came over the line, "Eliana, Xavier McKinney is here to see you."
My heart skipped a beat as I paused, collecting my thoughts. I took a deep breath and replied, "Send him in."
As Xavier entered my office, I felt a surge of emotions: excitement, nervousness, and a hint of resentment. But I refused to let him see the effect he had on me. Instead, I adopted a tough demeanor.
"Hey," Xavier said, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.
"Hey," I replied curtly, my eyes fixed on the files in front of me.
Xavier's gaze lingered on me, his eyes narrowing as if searching for something. He sat down in the chair opposite my desk, his movements fluid and confident.
I continued to ignore him, pretending to be engrossed in my work. But I could feel his eyes on me, boring into my skin.
"Eliana," Xavier said finally, his voice low and husky.
I stopped what I was doing and looked up at him, my expression neutral. "What's wrong with you?" I asked, my voice even.
Xavier's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. "Nothing's wrong with me. Why do you think there is?"
I looked at him, my expression neutral.
Xavier's eyes locked onto mine, a hint of sadness and vulnerability creeping into his gaze. "Eliana, I'm sorry," he said, his voice low and sincere. "I was just jealous, and the fear of you divorcing me took over. Even though our marriage is a contract, I still don't want it to end that way. I'm sorry, babe."
My expression softened, and I smiled at him, my heart melting at his apology. "You went too far with your anger, Xavier," I said, my voice gentle but firm. "But I appreciate your honesty. Jealousy is not an excuse for ignoring me, though."
Xavier nodded, his eyes still locked onto mine. "I know. I was wrong, and I promise to work on my trust issues."
Xavier stood up from his seat, his eyes burning with intensity as he walked towards me. I rose from my chair, my heart racing with anticipation. He leaned against the desk, pulling me close to him, his hands roaming over my body.
Without warning, he gave my ass a playful spank, sending a jolt of excitement through me. Then, his lips crashed onto mine, claiming me in a passionate kiss. I melted into him, forgetting every other thing - the anger, the hurt, the frustration. All that mattered was the spark between us, the flame that never seemed to fade.
"I missed you, Eliana," Xavier whispered, his voice husky with emotion. "I missed you so much."
As we stood there, the tension between us became almost palpable. I felt my face grow hot, and I knew we had to slow down.
"Xavier, wait," I said, placing a hand on his chest. "Let's not do this here, okay?"
He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine.
After work, Xavier insisted we head to his house, and I agreed. As we arrived, I offered to cook dinner. While preparing the meal, I struggled to find some kitchen utensils. Xavier noticed my frustration and stepped in to help.
As we sat down to eat, the atmosphere felt cozy and intimate. Afterwards, we settled onto the couch, watching TV together.
Xavier's voice was low and persuasive as he whispered in my ear, "Babe, don't you think you should move in with me?"
I turned to him, surprise etched on my face. He anticipated my objections.
"Your brother can stay with us too, and his nanny," he added. "We're married, right? That's what married couples do."
His words hung in the air, leaving me to ponder the possibility of us living together.
Here's a revised version:
"I would love to, Xavier, but I don't want to trouble you," I replied, trying to sound considerate. "What about Royalty? I brought her to Jai City with me, and I couldn't just abandon her and leave her alone in that big house."
Xavier's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with hurt and anger. "Babe, we're married now," he said, his voice low and intense. "Even if you don't take our marriage seriously and see it as just a contract, can't you just give me a little respect?"
He Drew me closer to him, his voice rising. "You don't want to move in with me because of Royalty? She's not a kid anymore, and she'll probably get married soon!"
The anger and frustration in his voice were palpable, and I could tell he felt rejected and unappreciated. I realized I needed to tread carefully to avoid escalating the situation.
"Xavier, let's not argue," I said, trying to defuse the tension. "I'll think about it. I need to go."
I stood up, preparing to leave, but Xavier stopped me.
"Eliana, I'm not trying to force you," he said, his voice softening. "I just think it's the right thing to do."
I briefly looked at him, then reached for my car keys. "I'm going home, Xavier," I said.
But Xavier was too quick. He grabbed my keys and locked his door.
"Don't be angry," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'll take you back tomorrow."
I raised an eyebrow, feeling a mix of frustration and surprise. "Xavier, what are you doing?"
Xavier replied, "Nothing, I just don't want you to leave my house at this hour. It's late, and I won't have peace of mind." He didn't wait for me to respond, instead gently taking my hand and leading me upstairs.
After a refreshing bath, I came out to find a pair of new female pyjamas neatly laid out on the bed. I stared at Xavier, surprised.
He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I only started planning for you to move in with me, and I bought some new work clothes and pyjamas," he explained. "Just in case you hesitate in moving in with me or sleep over and don't have anything to wear the next day."
I felt a flutter in my chest at the thoughtful gesture. No one had ever gone out of their way to prepare for me like that before. It was a small act, but it spoke volumes about Xavier's intentions and consideration.
Here's a revised version:
I pecked his lips, curiosity getting the better of me. "But how did you know my size, from the clothes to the shoes?" I asked, amazed.
Xavier's smile broadened, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, I got to know your clothes size and shoe size the day I took you shopping for the gala conference," he replied, his voice low and husky.
I thought back to that day, remembering how he'd carefully selected outfits that flattered me. "And I already know your style," he added, his gaze roaming over me.
My eyes widened in surprise. "And when did you start buying all these?" I asked, gesturing to the array of clothes and accessories.
Xavier's expression turned sheepish. "I started buying them when I was ignoring you," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "I hoped that you'd come back to me, and I wanted to be prepared."
Here's a revised version:
"Awwwwn," I cooed, hugging him tightly. "I'm so happy, and I feel loved."
Xavier's face lit up with a warm smile. "I love you, my baby," he whispered, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on my skin.
He suddenly tickled me, and I burst out laughing. Xavier joined in, his deep chuckles harmonizing with my giggles.
In a playful dash, I ran out of the closet, Xavier hot on my heels. He caught me effortlessly, sweeping me into his arms and pulling me toward the bed.
As we settled into the plush mattress, Xavier wrapped his arms around me, cuddling me close. "Tomorrow's the weekend," he murmured. "Do you have any plans?"
I shook my head, feeling content and sleepy. "No."
Xavier smiled, his eyes crinkling. "Okay, then let's see how tomorrow goes."
With that, we snuggled deeper, and sleep gently took over, wrapping us in a warm, peaceful embrace.
I woke up to an empty bed, Xavier nowhere to be found. I reached for my phone, checking for any missed calls or messages. That's when I saw Royalty's text: "Check Xavier's post on social media ASAP!"
My curiosity piqued, I quickly scrolled through my feeds. And then I saw it – a photo of Xavier and me, fast asleep, wearing matching couple's pyjamas. We looked adorable, and my cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
I couldn't help but blush, trying to calm my excitement. I tossed off the covers and got out of bed,